If you’re planning to hunt in the Volunteer State, one of the first questions you need answered is, when does deer hunting season open in Tennessee? The dates aren’t the same every year, and they vary significantly by the type of weapon you plan to use and where you’ll be hunting. Getting this right is crucial for planning your trips and ensuring you’re legal in the field. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from season dates to zone maps and essential regulations.
Tennessee’s deer hunting opportunities are managed with both tradition and biological science in mind. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets the seasons each year to manage the state’s healthy deer herd. Their goal is to provide plenty of hunting while keeping the population in balance with it’s habitat. Understanding their structure is the key to a successful and lawful season.
When Does Deer Hunting Season Open In Tennessee
The opening dates for deer hunting in Tennessee are not a single day. They are a series of openings that depend on your weapon of choice. Generally, the sequence begins with archery season, followed by muzzleloader, and then gun season. Youth hunts also have special early dates. The specific calendar is proposed by the TWRA and finalized each spring, so always check the current year’s hunting guide.
Typical Season Opening Framework (Based on Recent Years):
* Archery Season: Usually opens the last Saturday in September.
* Muzzleloader Season: Typically opens in early November, often the Saturday before the gun season opener.
* Gun Season: The most widely recognized opening day is usually the Saturday before Thanksgiving in November.
* Youth Hunts: Special youth-only weekends often occur in late October and again in late December or early January.
These are general patterns. The exact date for, say, the 2024 or 2025 season will be posted on the TWRA website. Always verify with the official sources before you head out.
Tennessee Deer Hunting Zones and Units
Tennessee is divided into multiple deer hunting units, each with it’s own specific season dates and bag limits. This system allows the TWRA to tailor management to local deer population densities and health. You must know which unit you are hunting in. The state primarily uses two systems: Deer Management Zones and County-by-County Units.
* Deer Management Zones (DMZs): These are larger regions (like Zone A, Zone B, etc.) that group counties with similar characteristics.
* County Units: Some regulations, especially for antlerless harvest, are set at the individual county level.
The most reliable way to find your zone is to use the interactive map on the TWRA website or consult the printed hunting guide. Don’t guess—a mistake here could mean hunting out of season or exceeding your bag limit.
2024 Season Date Overview (Projected)
While official dates are subject to change, here is a projected look based on the typical calendar. This is for planning purposes only.
* Statewide Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Oct. 25, 2024 (Then reopens after gun seasons)
* Muzzleloader (Units A, B, D): Nov. 2, 2024 – Nov. 15, 2024
* Gun Season (Units A, B, D): Opens Nov. 16, 2024 (Closing dates vary by unit in January)
* Youth Hunt Weekend: Oct. 26-27, 2024
Remember, Units like L and C often have different, sometimes later, opening dates for gun season. Unit L, for example, might not open until late November.
Weapon-Specific Season Details
Knowing the nuances of each weapon season is vital for maximizing your time in the woods.
Archery Season Openers
Archery season offers the longest time in the woods and the first crack at undisturbed deer. It opens well before the other seasons.
* Opens: Last Saturday in September.
* What’s Allowed: Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows that meet legal specifications.
* Key Note: Archery season typically pauses during major muzzleloader and gun segments in most units, then reopens again in late December and runs through January. This provides a late-season archery opportunity.
Muzzleloader Season Openers
This is a cherished tradition for many hunters, offering a primitive weapon challenge.
* Opens: Usually the Saturday before the gun season opener (early November).
* What’s Allowed: Muzzleloading firearms of .40 caliber or larger, single projectile only. Scopes are permitted.
* Key Note: Some units have a “Muzzleloader/Archery” season later in the year where both weapons are legal. Check your unit rules.
Gun Season Openers
This is the most popular season, with the highest hunter participation.
* Opens: The Saturday before Thanksgiving for most of the state (Units A, B, D).
* What’s Allowed: Modern rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment. Handguns meeting specific criteria are also allowed.
* Key Note: Always confirm the regulations for the specific public land you are hunting on, as some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have unique opening dates and rules that differ from the surrounding county.
Bag Limits and Antler Regulations
Seasons are one thing, but knowing what you can harvest is just as important. Tennessee’s system is based on a combination of antlered and antlerless deer limits.
* Statewide Antlered Buck Limit: Two (2) per season, regardless of zone or method. An antlered buck is defined as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
* Antlerless Deer Limits: This is where it gets unit-specific. The daily limit is two, but the season limit varies by unit. Some units allow only one antlerless deer for the entire year, while others may allow three or more. You must check the antlerless harvest chart for your specific county/unit.
* Bonus Deer: In select counties, the TWRA may offer “bonus deer” opportunities through the purchase of additional tags, often for antlerless deer only.
Licenses, Permits, and Tags
You cannot hunt without the proper paperwork. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting legal.
1. Hunter Education: If you were born on or after January 1, 1969, you must complete a hunter education course to buy a license.
2. Base License: All hunters need an annual Tennessee Hunting and Fishing License (Type 001). This is your base license.
3. Big Game Permit: In addition to the base license, you must purchase a Big Game Permit (Type 005) to hunt deer.
4. Tags: Your license comes with basic tags. For your two antlered bucks, you will use the “Regular Gun” or “Archery/Muzzleloader” tags on your license. For antlerless deer, you may need to use specific “Antlerless Deer” tags printed on your license or purchase additional ones depending on your unit.
5. WMA Permits: If hunting on a WMA, you likely need a WMA Permit (Type 094) in addition to your other licenses.
6. Check Stations: Some WMAs require you to check your deer in at a physical station. Know the rules for your area before you go.
The easiest way to buy licenses is online through the TWRA website or at an approved agent like a sporting goods store.
Public Land Hunting in Tennessee
Tennessee boasts excellent public hunting opportunities on its Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public hunting zones. However, seasons on these lands can differ.
* WMA Season Dates: Always, always check the WMA-specific regulations. Opening days for gun season on a WMA might be a week or two later than the surrounding county. They often have their own special quota hunts with application periods.
* Quota Hunts: Many of the best WMA hunts are quota-based, meaning you must apply for a permit in advance through a drawing. Application periods are usually in the summer.
* TWRA Mobile App: Download this app. It provides offline maps of WMAs, boundary lines, and often has the specific regulations loaded for each area. It’s an indispensable tool.
Pre-Season Scouting and Preparation
Knowing the date is just the start. Here’s how to get ready.
* Scout Early: Use the summer and early fall to scout for sign—rubs, scrapes, trails, and feeding areas. Trail cameras are invaluable.
* Check Your Gear: Don’t wait until the night before. Practice with your bow or rifle, check your tree stand harness for wear, and wash your clothes in scent-free detergent.
* Get Permission Early: If hunting private land, secure written permission well in advance. Landowner relations are key.
* Study the Land: Use topographic maps and satellite imagery to identify funnels, saddles, and bedding areas that will be productive during hunting season.
Safety and Ethical Hunting Practices
Safety is the most important part of any hunt.
* Tree Stand Safety: Always use a full-body safety harness from the moment you leave the ground until you return. Check your stand’s straps and bolts before each season.
* Treat Every Firearm as Loaded: Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
* Wear Blaze Orange: During gun seasons, wearing at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange is required, including a head covering. It’s a smart idea during muzzleloader season too.
* Ethical Shot Placement: Practice to ensure you can make a clean, ethical shot that results in a quick recovery of the animal.
* Plan for Recovery: Have a plan for how you will track and recover a deer, including necessary tools and help if needed.
FAQs: Tennessee Deer Hunting Season
What is the first day of deer season in TN?
It depends on your weapon. For most hunters, the first opportunity is the last Saturday in September for archery season. The first day of gun season is typically the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Can you hunt deer year round in Tennessee?
No, there is no year-round season. The regulated seasons run from late September through late January, depending on the unit and weapon type. There are also specific seasons for hunting with dogs in certain units.
What are the deer hunting dates for 2024 in Tennessee?
The official 2024-2025 dates will be released by the TWRA in the spring. The projected openings are: Archery on Sept. 28, Muzzleloader (Units A,B,D) on Nov. 2, and Gun (Units A,B,D) on Nov. 16. Always verify with the official TWRA guide.
How many bucks can you kill in Tennessee?
The statewide limit is two (2) antlered bucks per hunter per season. One of these bucks must have at least four points on one antler or a 15-inch inside antler spread in many counties, but there are exceptions. Check the antler restrictions for your county.
Does Tennessee have a muzzleloader season?
Yes, Tennessee has a dedicated muzzleloader season that usually opens in early November. There is often a second segment later in the year that combines muzzleloader and archery.
When does late season deer hunting start in Tennessee?
Late season hunting generally refers to the period after the main gun season closes. Archery and often muzzleloader seasons reopen in late December and run through the end of January in most units, providing a late-season opportunity.
What do I need to hunt deer in Tennessee?
You need a valid Tennessee Hunting License, a Big Game Permit, and the appropriate tags. If you were born after 1969, hunter education certification is required. On public land, a WMA permit is usually needed as well.
Marking your calendar for when deer hunting season opens in Tennessee is the first step in a successful year. But remember, the opening day is just one piece of the puzzle. Your responsibility is to know the specific regulations for your chosen unit, secure the correct licenses, and practice safe, ethical hunting. The TWRA provides excellent resources online and in their printed guide. By doing your homework now, you can ensure that when that long-awaited opening morning arrives, you’re focused entirely on the hunt, not on figuring out the rules. Good luck, and hunt safely.